What Are the Qualities an Ideal Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) Should Have?
A successful business consists of several key individuals who contribute to its overall effectiveness. One of these important key figures in an organisation is the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).
Who Is a CHRO?
A CHRO in a business is part of the human resource team. They are responsible for the development and execution of all human resource strategies that take place. Among the responsibilities and duties of a CHRO include:
- Be a strategic advisor for the senior management of the business.
- Establish and implement all human resource efforts which effectively support and communicate the company’s mission and vision.
- Develop strategic and comprehensive recruitment plans to attract and retain the best talent to ensure the company’s human capital needs are met.
- Supporting the company’s overall business plan.
- Supporting the company’s strategic direction and succession plan.
- Handling talent and change management for the company.
- Handling the training and development of existing employees.
- Providing guidance and leadership in all human resource functions.
In short, the CHRO of a business is the one who is responsible for providing the strategic leadership of the company by articulating the human resource needs to the shareholders and board of directors.
Why Human Resource and CHRO Matters in a Company?
A business cannot function without its people. Every employee has their role to play, each one contributing to the success of the business in their own way. The leaders at the top are the head that steers in the company in the direction it needs to go. The employees are the body that works together to keep the organisation going. The human resource and CHRO however, is the heart that keeps the organisation alive.
A CHRO in a business is no longer just there for admin purposes. It is not just about making sure employees get paid on time. The CHRO and human resource team have evolved to become the department responsible for ensuring the right kind of talent joins the business to keep it thriving. Once they have secured the talent, it is their responsibility to hold onto that talent because this is how they ensure the company continues to stay ahead of its competitors.
The CHRO and the human resource team is responsible for hiring and retaining, training and evaluating all the employees within an organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that the needs of the talent pool they have drawn in are met. They are the ones who keep an eye out for the employees who can go on to become the next leaders of the company.
What Qualities Should the Ideal Chief Human Resource Officer Have?
A business should always hire the best individual whom they believe has what it takes to flourish in the role they have been given. An ideal CHRO in a business should possess several qualities attributed to success, among which include:
- Being fair-minded and just in their decisions.
- Being forward-thinking, predictive and innovative.
- Being data-centred and driven.
- Be confident in working with data to quickly pick up on trends.
- Be comfortable working with data to improve on the decision-making process.
- Being fair, respectful and transparent in their dealings.
- Be understanding, approachable and someone other employees are comfortable working with.
- Build an environment which promotes openness and trust.
- Be ethical in their practices.
- Be able to critically evaluate the needs of the business.
- Have good business acumen.
- Have the relevant HR expertise to carry out their responsibilities.
- Promote an environment which fosters employee-consciousness and respect.
- Possess excellent communication skills.